Report: LIV Golf expected to lose another major champion

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is expected to be the latest major champion to walk away from LIV Golf, according to a report. 

Per @ProGolfCritic, the 47-year-old American was on the fence but is leaning towards leaving the league after a four-year association with the circuit. 

Watson was among the first wave of players recruited by the Saudi-backed league in 2022, taking on the role of captain of the RangeGoats quartet.

He joined LIV while recovering from a serious knee injury and, after an eight-month absence, returned to competitive action in 2023.

His results since then have been mixed.

Despite showing flashes of his previous form, Watson was unable to secure an individual title. 

He also finished the 2024 season in the relegation zone but was allowed to return because of his commercial value. That rule was subsequently scrapped.

His departure would represent another setback for chief executive Scott O'Neil, who is attempting to secure a sustainable future for the organisation following the withdrawal of financial support from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The league is preparing to relaunch as LIV 2.0, with London-based investment firm BC Partners involved in a proposed $300m funding package.

The revised model is expected to involve a smaller financial commitment, a greater emphasis on team ownership and a significantly restructured playing roster.

However, retaining established stars has proved increasingly difficult.

Former Masters champion Jon Rahm, England's Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter, Spain's Sergio Garcia and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen are among the established names who have confirmed they will not feature in the competition's proposed new structure.

LIV did receive a boost on Saturday, however, when two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau addressed speculation over his future, confirming that he wants to remain with the circuit.

Watson's reported decision comes amid a wider contractual dispute involving more than 10 LIV players seeking payments from the PIF relating to their original agreements.

According to The Athletic, Dustin Johnson is leading a group of more than 10 LIV Golf players seeking in excess of $100m (£76m) in unpaid contract money and severance payments from the PIF.

The group, which reportedly includes Watson, argues that players made career-changing decisions to join LIV based on long-term financial commitments and promises from the Saudis.

Johnson's lawyer, David Cornwell, is representing the players and argues they are entitled to compensation for contracts they believe have not been honoured.

The players are also reluctant to commit to LIV's proposed relaunch until the outstanding payments have been resolved.

The PIF, however, reportedly considers itself an equity investor rather than being directly responsible for individual player contracts, leaving the two sides at odds over who should meet the outstanding obligations.

Which players have left LIV Golf?

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm is among the biggest names to walk away, having reached a separation agreement with LIV in October.

It's understood Rahm gave up at least £75m ($100m) as part of a separation agreement. 

Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter have also confirmed they will not participate in the proposed LIV 2.0, while 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen has announced his departure.

Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia confirmed on 29 October that he would leave the circuit and return to the DP World Tour in 2027.

Garcia's former Ryder Cup teammate, Graeme McDowell, has also left. 

The deadline for players to commit to the league was extended to 30 October.

More news on the future of LIV is expected early next week.